Consultant for National Inventories of Controlled Substances

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to become a key player in global environmental governance, advocating for sustainable practices and policies across various sectors. With a workforce of over 1,000 employees, UNEP operates in more than 100 countries, providing support and guidance to nations in their efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. UNEP serves as an Implementing Agency of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, ensuring that countries adhere to international agreements aimed at protecting the ozone layer and mitigating climate change.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to develop comprehensive national inventories of banks of used or unwanted controlled substances in seven African countries: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Eswatini, The Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. The consultant will lead the nationwide data collection and analysis processes, ensuring that the inventories are accurate and reflective of the current situation in each country. The consultant will also be responsible for creating a strategic plan for the environmentally sound collection, transport, and disposal of these substances, which will include options for recycling, reclamation, and cost-effective destruction. This role requires a deep understanding of environmental management practices and the ability to coordinate with various stakeholders, including government agencies and industry representatives, to achieve the project's objectives. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Regional Network Coordinator of the Anglophone Network of Ozone Officers, receiving technical guidance throughout the assignment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key duties and responsibilities, including:

• Developing an Inception Work Plan and Methodological Framework, which involves preparing a detailed work plan with timelines, milestones, and deliverables, and presenting it for validation.
• Designing Data Collection Tools and Methodology, which includes creating standardized questionnaires and templates tailored to national contexts while ensuring regional comparability.
• Coordinating and Overseeing National Surveys by working closely with National Ozone Units (NOUs) to implement nationwide surveys, providing technical guidance, and ensuring adherence to methodologies and ethical standards.
• Data Consolidation, Verification, and Analysis, which involves compiling and validating collected data, conducting in-depth analyses, and estimating potential volumes of recoverable substances.
• Preparing Analytical and Technical Reports, including drafting country-specific reports and a consolidated regional synthesis report with recommendations for sustainable management of controlled substances.
• Engaging in a review and revision process to ensure the quality and accuracy of the reports produced.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in engineering, environmental science, or a related area. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in relevant fields is required, demonstrating the ability to manage complex technical or environmental projects involving multiple stakeholders. Experience in data collection, verification, and management, particularly related to chemicals management or waste management, is essential. Proven skills in designing and implementing surveys, analyzing data, and preparing technical reports are highly desirable. Familiarity with UNEP project management procedures and international reporting standards is an advantage.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in engineering, environmental science, or a related area is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in engineering, environmental science, chemistry, or a related technical field. This experience should demonstrate the ability to manage and implement complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, particularly in the context of environmental management and data collection.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English is mandatory for effective communication and reporting.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 12 months and is home-based. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.